How to Plant an Aviary for a Finch

Preparing the Aviary

• 1

  Sketch a rough plan for the landscaped aviary.

• 2

  Remove unwanted vegetation and debris. Look for interesting pieces of wood and rocks to add back in later. Many finch species appreciate nooks and crannies where they can poke around.

• 3

  Break the ground up with a tiller or by hand using a hoe. Add compost as you go. The goal is to create loose, organic soil where the plants can thrive.

• 4

  Install all hardware such as sprinklers, shallow ponds, heaters, pipes and misters before adding plants.

Planting the Aviary Ground

• 5

  Arrange the plants in the aviary while they are still in their pots. Grouping plants of varying heights will not only add height but also depth to the landscape.

• 6

  Dig planting holes as per the plant's labels.

• 7

  Add organic slow-release fertilizer to each hole.

• 8

  Set plants in their holes keeping the top of the root ball at the same level it was in the pot.

• 9

  Add water to the hole, allowing it to drain before backfilling to cover the roots.

• 10

  Pack the soil down. Water the plants again to settle the soil.

Hanging Pots in the Aviary

• 11

  Hang pots containing trailing and edible plants from the rafters of the aviary.

• 12

  Place nest boxes in each basket for future broods.

• 13

  Add additional shade with screens, tarps or bamboo mats if necessary.

• 14

  Water and feed plants as required.